Seemor
Pesce lulu Seafood Kitchen NYCBWorth Trying
157 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022
· Seafood restaurant
· 4.8/5 Google (317 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Fresh, fast seafood tacos, platters, and fries inside The Hugh food hall; tasty and fairly priced, with occasional portion inconsistencies and order hiccups.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Pesce lulu delivers solid neighborhood-level seafood with strong food quality anchored by excellent mahi and shrimp tacos and attentive, personable service. Consistency shows some variation in portions and seasoning across menu items, and the food hall setting—while bright and appealing—lacks the ambiance or destination draw of full-service dining. Solid value and reliable execution make it worth visiting if you're in Midtown East, though it doesn't reach the distinction of the area's premier restaurants.
Restaurant Summary
Inside The Hugh food hall, Pesce lulu feels lively and bright rather than stuffy, with greenery and skylights setting a breezy tone. Staff are often called out as friendly and quick to fix issues, and one diner noted, "they even ran the tray to my table," a nice touch for counter service. The cooking leans elevated casual seafood with a taco-forward menu and build-your-own bowls. The culinary approach is contemporary and ingredient-driven: clean flavors, zippy sauces like cilantro green and chipotle aioli, crisp-fried mahi, and well-loved truffle fries. Most praise centers on mahi and shrimp tacos, while a few call the pasta or bowls underseasoned or light. Families do fine here: the setting is casual and flexible, and kids can eat fries, fish fingers, or simple tacos. The menu includes many sides (rice, cucumber salad) that are friendly to simpler palates. No dedicated kids menu, but portions and toppings can be adjusted.
At a Glance
- Fresh, flavorful mahi and shrimp tacos with lively sauces
- Good value for Midtown; combos and platters priced fairly
- Portions can feel light on bowls or fish-to-breading ratio
- Peak lunch lines and seating scramble in food hall
- Fish and chips may use salmon; ask if expecting white fish
What Sets It Apart
- seafood_tacos_in_midtown_food_hall
- customizable_bowls_with_multiple_proteins
- strong_fries_and_side_program
What People Love
- Crispy, well-seasoned fries and truffle fries
- Clean, fresh seafood flavors in tacos
- Friendly staff who resolve issues
- Bright, attractive food hall setting
Points of Concern
- Portion variability on bowls and some fried items reported by several diners
- A few bland-prep comments for pasta or soup; tacos get better feedback
- Peak lunch congestion: long lines and table hunt
- Fish and chips fish type not always disclosed; clarify at order
- Review patterns show staff-name praise but varied voices; no strong manipulation signs
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$30-44 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Start with two tacos and truffle fries for a balanced meal
- Seafood platter offers best variety under $30
- Avoid green sauce if cilantro-averse; choose lemon evoo or white sauce instead
Perfect For
- Fast but satisfying workday lunch
- Casual meetup with mixed diets
- Solo bite with a drink at the food hall
- Quick pre- or post-meeting refuel
Location Insights
Area: Busy Midtown East office corridor with high lunch demand; after-work crowd uses the food hall and bar seats.
Safety: Well-trafficked corporate complex with good lighting and security; generally safe.
Nearby: Inside The Hugh food hall at 53rd/Lex; near offices, Citicorp building, hotels like The Lexington.
Turtle BayTurtle Bay offers a mix of upscale residential buildings and office spaces, with a growing number of trendy restaurants and cafes catering to both locals and office workers. The dining scene is diverse, ranging from casual eateries to refined dining, reflecting the area's blend of residential calm and commercial energy.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–21:00
Tuesday11:00–21:00
Wednesday11:00–21:00
Thursday11:00–21:00
Friday11:00–21:00
Saturday
Sunday
Available: Delivery, Takeout
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